Domestic Worker Visa (Visa de Trabajadores Domésticos)

Work

At a Glance

Processing Time

Varies

Application Fee

650 USD

Stay Duration

1 to 5 years

Renewable

Yes

Job Offer

Required

Dependents

Not Specified

PR Pathway

Remote Work

Not Required

Overview

For foreign nationals employed as domestic workers (e.g., cleaners, nannies, gardeners, drivers).

This visa category allows foreign nationals to work in domestic roles such as nannies, cleaners, or drivers for Panamanian citizens or residents. It is a temporary status that can be renewed annually for up to five years. It does not provide a direct pathway to permanent residency in Panama.

Fee Breakdown

National Treasury	100 USD
Repatriation Deposit	500 USD
Resident Card Fee	50 USD

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant	1 year
Extendable up to	5 years

Requirements

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Employment contract

Employer's proof of economic solvency

Health certificate

Criminal record

Proof of social security affiliation

KEY CRITERIA

Job Offer

Required

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Employment contract

Employer's proof of economic solvency (bank letter, tax return, or work letter)

Health certificate

Criminal record

Proof of social security affiliation

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

Allows legal employment in domestic sector
Renewable for up to 5 years

Worth Knowing

Does not lead to permanent residency
Requires employer sponsorship
Complex application process
Employer lacks sufficient economic solvency
Criminal record issues

Application Process

Draft employment contract

Submit application to SNM

Pay treasury and repatriation fees

Obtain residency card

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